Eric has been working so hard at school and trying to find a job and soon it is going to pay off. He got a job offer with Whirlpool and we are moving to St. Joseph, Michigan! I am so proud of him. It is an hour and a half drive from Chicago. Eric will be doing a finance leadership development rotation which consists of three rotations, each lasting one year. When we started his graduate school did I think we'd end up in Michigan? Umm no. But 1) I am so grateful that he has a job and 2) I think it will be great.
When Eric was invited for a two-day second round interview, Blake and I went along for something to do and for a free hotel breakfast. As we first drove through the area I felt like we were going to be moving there. I felt like I had even dreamt about this place before. Those thoughts kind of scared me.
Blake and I had quite the time trying to navigate a new area. We finally found a mall at about 6p.m. on a Thursday. It was empty. I asked a worker at one of the stores if the mall was closing soon and she asked why. I said because the mall was so empty. And she laughed and said "It's always like this. That is why I like it here because it is so quiet." Come to find the population for Benton Harbor and St. Joseph's is about 20,000 people. Small town. The signage for the food court looked like someone cut out letters from construction paper and hung it from the ceiling.
When I saw Eric after his interviews he was just happy. He wasn't always so upbeat after most of his other interviews. He said he enjoyed the people and interactions.
Last weekend we went back to really check out the area. No mall this time unfortunately. Someone that Eric interviewed with invited us over for lunch and also invited two other couples from Whirlpool. It was so nice to get connected with some people. They drove us around and gave us a tour. Then we went to their ward Christmas party and met so many nice people.
I will be honest and say I'm not excited for continued freezing winters. And I'm so sad to still be far from home. But I have felt good about Michigan the whole way. And here are some things I am excited for: a dishwasher, washer/dryer (from Whirlpool no less), cheaper cost of living, and some new adventures.
7 comments:
Look at you, the world traveler! Okay, maybe the mover is more like it... but you go KT Jane! And we're so happy for Eric! Funny about you dreaming about the place!
Congratulations! So when will you move? How are you feeling?
So it's official! How exciting! My little city slicker is becoming quite the Midwest gal. I'm excited to see you guys soon.
I am happy for you and Eric! And you better believe that I'm coming to visit!
Yay! That is so exciting. Congratulations to both of you.
Congrats on the job! Eric's sister and brother-in-law lived in St. Joseph for 6+ years working for whirlpool and loved it. Let us know if you want to be in contact with Amy.
so excited for you guys and the job! wish it was back here though :-( hope all goes well w/ baby #2! p.s. wish our girls could grow up together too!
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